The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem has issued a pastoral letter in which he described sacramental confession, along with prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, as the four pillars of Lent.

Prayer, said Patriarch Fouad Twal, is “the powerful engine that allows us to practice fasting and almsgiving.” He asked families to “come together in the evening, turn off all computers, phones, television or radio, and come in contact with the Lord who loves us and blesses the family that prays together.”

“On May 24-26, the Pope, our guest, will come as a pilgrim to the places that the Lord has blessed His birth, His baptism, His preaching, His passion, death and resurrection,” added Patriarch Twal, who expressed hope that Pope Francis’s visit will “strengthen our faith, strengthen ecumenical relations and interreligious dialogue, and give a new impetus to the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians.”

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